Assembly Resolution No. 1574

BY: M. of A. Rules (Chandler-Waterman)

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
June 2026, as Gun Violence Awareness Month in the
State of New York

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
official months that are set aside to increase awareness of serious
issues that affect the lives of citizens of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, it is the intent of this Legislative Body to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026, as Gun Violence
Awareness Month in the State of New York, in conjunction with the
observance of National Gun Violence Awareness Month; and

WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control, there were
approximately 48,000 people killed by firearms in the United States in
2022; more than half of these gun-related deaths were suicides, and more
than four of every ten of these deaths were homicides; and

WHEREAS, According to Gun Violence Archive (GVA), a nonprofit
organization that tracks media and law enforcement reports of shootings,
at least 16,725 people in the United States were killed by guns in 2024
in willful, malicious, or accidental occurances, not including suicides;
and

WHEREAS, Firearms are the leading cause of death of American
children and teenagers; Everytown for Gun Safety reported 3,865
gun-related deaths of individuals between the ages of 1 and 19 in the
United States in 2024; and

WHEREAS, The New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services
reports that in 2024, of the 80,399 violent crimes committed in New York
State, 9,790 involved a firearm; and

WHEREAS, Gun violence continues to be a devastating crisis
throughout the state with an increase of shootings and murders typically
occurring in the summer months; and

WHEREAS, The damage caused by gun violence is not limited by gender,
race, sexual orientation, or ethnicity; and

WHEREAS, The effects of gun violence extend far beyond those struck
by a bullet; and

WHEREAS, It is imperative that there be greater public awareness of
this serious issue including prevention, intervention, education, and
outreach; and

WHEREAS, Increased awareness and coordination among all stakeholders
is critical to the prevention of gun violence, the equal protection of
our citizens, and to ensure the safety of our precious youth; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2026, as Gun Violence
Awareness Month in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York.